Tottori Shan Shan Festival

  • Update:2020/03/05
  • Guide:Kirin-no-machi Tourism Bureau Association
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As Tottori’s summer tradition, “Tottori Shan Shan Festival” (held every August) is one of the biggest umbrella dance festivals in the world.
This 3-day event takes place during Japan’s obon period every year.
The dance is a modern adaptation of a traditional “Inaba Umbrella Dance”. Watching around 4,200 dancers dancing in unison is quite an experience!
Various events are held during August 13th – 15th. Please come and enjoy Tottori’s Shan Shan Festival.

Tottori's traditional performing art "Shan Shan Umbrella Dance"

Tottori's traditional performing art "Shan Shan Umbrella Dance"

Based on Eastern Tottori’s traditional “Inaba Umbrella Dance”, Shan Shan Umbrella Dance was arranged so it’s easier for anyone to participate.
The name “Shan Shan” derives from the sound made by bells on the umbrella, as well as the sound of hot spring water gushing out.
An essential item for the dance is the Shan Shan umbrella. Its  frame is made of bamboo and the surface is covered with various Japanese paper (washi). It’s then painted red and blue and decorated with silver paper strips.
Each color of washi used has specific meanings: red/white – “sand dunes”; gold – “prosperity”; blue – “Sea of Japan”; silver – “fish jumping out of the water”; red/silver (in the center) – “umbrella dance’s brilliance and harmony”; and white paper at the top – “prayer for rain”.

Information

Name: Tottori Shan Shan Festival
Contact: Tottori Shan Shan Festival Promotion Association
TEL:0857-20-3210
Business hours: 8:30-17:15
Official website: http://tottori-shanshan.jp/

ACCESS

71 Saiwai-cho, Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture (inside Tottori City Tourism・Geopark Promotion Division), 〒680-8571

ACCESS: From Tottori Station, exit south gate and walk 5 min to the west

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